Software developer and activist Rose Njeri has been released on a personal bond of Ksh100,000 following her arraignment at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi. Njeri faces charges under Section 16 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, accused of unauthorized interference with computer systems.

The charges stem from Njeri's development of an online platform, https://civic-email.vercel.app/, which enabled citizens to send mass emails to the National Assembly's Finance Committee, expressing objections to the proposed Finance Bill 2025. The prosecution alleges that this action disrupted the normal functioning of parliamentary systems.

Njeri was arrested on May 30, 2025, in Nairobi's South B estate and detained at Pangani Police Station. Her detention without formal charges for over 88 hours drew criticism from civil society organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, which highlighted violations of her constitutional rights.

A team of prominent legal figures, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, Senior Counsel Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa, represented Njeri in court. They argued that the charges lack a clear legal foundation and infringe upon her constitutional rights to freedom of expression and public participation.

Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo granted Njeri's release on bond and scheduled a ruling for June 20, 2025, to determine whether the case will proceed to trial

Njeri's case has ignited a national debate on digital activism and the boundaries of lawful protest in Kenya's digital age. Supporters argue that her actions were a legitimate form of civic engagement, while authorities contend they constituted a cyber offense.

As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome is poised to set a significant precedent for digital rights and civic participation in Kenya.